News

Chairman's Message to the Victims in Texas

As we continue to monitor the news coming out of Texas, we are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. To see families displaced and in ruin, including those from AACUC member credit unions, is overwhelming. According to the NCUA, “there are 178 federally insured credit unions in areas of Texas and Louisiana affected by the Hurricane.” AACUC has always lived the credit union motto of “people helping people.” It is during times like these when our neighbors/fellow citizens need us the most. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, I am.

Please keep those affected by the desolation in your prayers. If you would like to join us in donating to help those in need, please send a contribution to the National Credit Union Foundation’s disaster relief site at: www.cuaid.coop.

2017-2018 AACUC Executive Board Announced

The AACUC Board of Directors elected Timothy L. Anderson, President/CEO of the Government Printing Office Federal Credit Union, Washington, DC, as Chairman for another term. Adrian S. Johnson, SVP/CFO of MECU of Baltimore, Inc., has been elected as Vice Chairman. Ed Presnell, VP of Administration for SRP FCU has been elected as Treasurer and to complete the Executive Committee appointments, Sheilah Montgomery, Founder of the AACUC and retired CEO of Credit Union of Atlanta, is the new Board Secretary. The other board members are: Tonita Webb, EVP/COO of Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union, Larry Sewell, VP Corporate Partnerships & Advocacy, Anheuser-Busch Employees' Credit Union, Lynette Smith, President/CEO of Washington Gas Light FCU and Maurice Smith, President/CEO of Local Government FCU.

Anderson commented, “I appreciate the Board’s confidence in electing me Chairman of the organization for an additional term. I look forward to working with our new Executive team, talented group of Board members and Executive Director. While we have accomplished a great deal the last 2 years, there is still much to be done. When I became Chairman in 2015, I committed the organization to a bold vision of: transformational change, transformational growth and transformational service to our members. At our recent conference in Raleigh North Carolina, we saw this vision progressing towards fruition. The conference was a huge success; we pinned 25 new members during the new member orientation ceremony. Also, to embrace the ideas and skills from Millennials and Gen X’ers, we launched our inaugural Young Professionals Summit for credit union professionals 40 and under. This initiative was one of the highlights of the conference.

To wrap up the week, we honored Bill Bynum, President/CEO of Hope Credit Union, with the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award, inducted Isaac Dickson, Chairman of the Board at Carolina Foothills FCU, Robert S. Watson, Sr., Board Director at American Spirit FCU and Bert J. Hash, Jr., retired President/CEO of MECU of Baltimore, Inc., into the AACUC’s African American Credit Union Hall of Fame.”

Mr. Anderson is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College, where he serves as adjunct professor, with a BS degree in Business Management and an MBA in Finance. He has over 30 years of financial services experience at credit unions and banks, serving in a myriad of capacities including board director for credit unions and CUSOs. His work history encompasses Vice President and COO at American Spirit Federal Credit Union; Vice President and COO at the Treasury Department Federal Credit Union; Manager at the United States Senate Federal Credit Union; Vice President of Operations at Equitable and Independence Banks; and, Assistant Vice President and Financial Center Manager at BB&T and M&T Banks.

Haynes Inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Mrs. Rita L. Haynes for her induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Haynes is a recipient of the AACUC Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award, a AACUC Hall of Fame Inductee and retired after serving as the CEO for Faith Community United Credit Union in Cleveland, Ohio. She is recognized for serving more than 50 years in the credit union industry. Haynes’ commitment to the cooperative principles and deep faith in economic justice are legendary. To read more, click here.

Stephens becomes first African-American inductee of the Cornerstone Credit Union League Hall of Fame

Please join us in congratulating Barbara Stephens for being selected as a 2017 Cornerstone Credit Union League Hall of Fame inductee. Barbara is the first African-American to receive this high honor at the Cornerstone League. We are extremely proud of you, Barbara!

Advisory Board and is a member of the US Partnership for Mobility from Poverty,

funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Timothy L. Anderson, AACUC Chairman shared this, “We are elated to honor Bill Bynum as the winner of this year’s Pete Crear award. Bill is a titan in the credit union community, and does extraordinary work enriching the lives of others. He epitomizes

the credit union motto of “people helping people.” Since 1994 Bynum’s “HOPE” entities have provided financial services, leveraged private and public resources, and shaped policies that have benefited more than 650,000 residents in the Delta and other distressed parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. “This was evident during one of the worst

disasters in the history of our country, Hurricane Katrina. Bill and Hope Credit Union helped rebuild homes and revitalize devastated areas in New Orleans. I visited some of those restored areas in 2011 with Hope Credit Union, and marveled at the compassion and humanity Bill displays for others. Congratulations, Bill. We are very proud of you.” -Anderson remarked.

Board Director Credits Volunteering to Success

XCEL Federal Credit Union Board Director Stacey Walkerhas been volunteering for some time now and it's had a great impact on her life. In this article published by the Credit Union Times, author Tahira Hayes captures the life of Walker and how volunteering has helped shaped her into the woman that she is today.

2017 CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)

The AACUC will be in attendance for this year's CUNA GAC and we would like for you stop by! We will have a booth at the GAC Exhibit Hall where you will have a chance to win free registration to our Annual Conference in August. We hope to see you there!

2017 AACUC Networking Meeting

Please join us at the annual AACUC Networking Meeting on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 at the Marriott Marquis from 5:00pm - 7:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Reaching Toward the Future Internship Program

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Internship Committee of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), we would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in our Internship Program.

The Reaching Toward the Future Internship Program was developed by the AACUC to promote: 1) awareness of the credit union movement, and 2) opportunities for African American college students to experience the benefits of working in a credit union environment. The goal is to ultimately encourage and recruit qualified African American college graduates to the movement.

Committed to Credit Union Growth

Take a look at this video of Lynette Smith, President and CEO of Washington Gas Light FCU and AACUC Board Member, as she demonstrates what it takes for a credit union to grow in the community. The video is presented by CUNA Mutual Group.

NCUA Promotes Greater Diversity in Credit Unions

The National Credit Union Administration highlights how greater diversity and inclusion can yield more business advantages for credit unions. The seven-minute video emphasizes contributions of diversity such as: greater innovation, access to a larger pool of talent and opportunities for growth.

Join Us at the 2016 AACUC Reality Fair

The National Credit Union Administration announced today that it will host a May 25 listening session to solicit input on ways it can enhance its Minority Depository Institutions Preservation Program.

The listening session will be held at NCUA’s Central Office, 1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia, beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern. The event will run approximately 90 minutes. To attend in person, please register by email to OMWImail@ncua.gov.

In addition, the listening session will be available over livestream. Registration is necessary and available online here. Participants will use this same link to log into the livestream, which will begin 15 minutes before the listening session starts. There is no charge to view the livestream.

Once registered, participants will receive a link they can use to test their systems. Participants with technical questions about accessing the livestream may email audience.support@on24.com.

The listening session will begin with a brief overview of how a credit union can designate itself as a minority depository institution and the benefits of participating in the program. NCUA’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion Director Monica Davy will then lead a panel of experts who will share insights on how to better support and preserve minority depository institutions.

Pamela Owens, vice president of programs, National Federation of Community Development

Credit Unions

Elliot Weiss, supervision analyst, Region III, NCUA

An open forum will follow to solicit ideas to enhance the program and to answer any questions. Participants may submit questions in advance at WebinarQuestions@ncua.gov. The subject line of the email should read, “Sustaining Minority Depository Institutions Listening Session.” Credit unions also can contribute to the conversation on Twitter by using #NCUAChat.

2016 AACHOF Induction Ceremony

Jackson Appointed as the President of the Maryland Chapter of FMS

The Maryland Chapter of the Financial Managers Society has named Tracey Jackson, investment manager with MECU of Baltimore, Inc., Baltimore, Md., as president of the chapter.

Tracey Jackson serves as the Associate Director & Investment Manager for the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore, Inc. (MECU). She is responsible for developing forecasts to show the credit unions financial trends with the asset/liability management model for board presentations, helping to manage a $465 million investment portfolio, and oversees the liquidity of MECU, ensuring that there are sufficient funds to sustain the institution on a daily basis.

She began her career as an intern and moved through three different positions within the first year of full time employment. Jackson received her B.S. in Finance at Morgan State University, M.S. in Financial Management at University of Maryland University College, and is a CUNA Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor.

She has been with the African American Credit Union Coalition for 8 years, serving on the Internship Committee. Much of her work for the AACUC Internship Program consists of outreach to the nation’s college/universities as well as credit unions to encourage participation in the program. She also serves on the following boards in addition to becoming the President of the Financial Managers Society: CUNA Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor Advisory Board, and Young Professional Network Advisory Board.

Congratulations Tracey from the AACUC!

Shreveport FCU Celebrates MLK Day in a Special Way

AACUC Board Member & President/CEO of Shreveport FCU Helen Godfrey-Smith, James Meredith, her granddaughter, and son

Three generations of credit union professionals celebrated MLK day with Mr. James Meredith, the first African American to integrate Ole Miss University in 1962. Shreveport Federal Credit Union brought Mr. Meredith to the Shreveport Community to inspire youth to fight harder for the best education possible.

The message of the day was centered around a Martin Luther King Jr. quote:

If you cannot Fly, Run!If you cannot Run, Walk!If you cannot Walk, Crawl!But at all costs, we must be committed to keep moving forward and realize the DREAM!

AACUC Vice Chairperson Elected by Acclamation to CUNA Board

On December 8th, 2015 nine individuals within the credit union industry were elected by acclamation to the CUNA Board. Among those nine individuals was AACUC Vice Chairperson as well as Director and Former Chairman of the Municipal Credit Union in New York, Mark Brantley, Esq. Those elected will take office upon the adjournment of CUNA's Annual General Meeting in Washington, D.C., Feb. 22, during the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference.

We would like to acknowledge Mark on this great achievement and we wish him well throughout the election term. To read more of the article, click here.

AACUC Members Attend the 16th Annual SACCA Conference in Africa

Bert Hash (bottom, 2nd right) and Michael Ray (bottom, middle)

Recently, Michael Ray, Director for Corporate Relations at Congressional Federal Credit Union and soon to be the new CEO of Hoya Federal and retired CEO Bert Hash of MECU-Baltimore were part of the speaking circuit at the 16th annual SACCA Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. The SACCA meeting is the equivalent of CUNA’s GAC. Some six hundred credit union leaders and professionals from 27 African countries met to attend education sessions and to share ideas about the African credit union movement. Michael was asked to speak about the importance of cooperative advocacy and co-facilitated a session with Lois kitsch from The Foundation on the topic of Emerging Leaders-charting the course for young people to become effective leaders in the cooperative movement. Bert led a discussion on the secrets behind a successful membership drive and moderated a panel discussion about the issues facing African credit unions.

Other DEs-Development Educators on the program included JoAnn Todd of Northeast Family CU, Kathy Chartier of Members Credit Union, Crissy Cheney of Schools First Credit Union and Marlene Shields of Capitol Credit Union in Edinburg, Scotland. Bill Cheney from Schools First gave the keynote address.

Earlier in this year in February, both Michael and Bert were part of the African DE Training program that took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sheila Montgomery and Angela McCathran were also part of this group.

Keep up the good work!

Houston Metropolitan FCU receives CDFI Grant

The Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union is a recognized CDFI with the mission of offering affordable financial products and services that meet the unique needs of economically undeserved communities. This past week, they have been awarded a $1,456,250 grant by the U.S. Treasury Department, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

Barbara says, “I knew the Treasury Department’s CDFI program had a mission fairly identical to ours. Credit unions are committed to the financial health of their members and their communities as a whole. These grant funds will go a long way towards stabilizing the finances of a lot of low-income families, and we are thrilled to be part of that.”

The Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union, established in 1945, is a not-for-profit, member owned cooperative based in Houston, TX. The credit union provides a wide range of financial products and services to its nearly 12,000 members.

Way to go Barbara!

Bynum Announced 2016 Herb Wegner Memorial Award Recipient

Congratulations to AACUC member and CEO of Hope Credit Union, William "Bill" Bynum for becoming one of the 2016 Herb Wegner Memorial Award recipients.

With his diligence and hard work at Hope Credit Union in Mississippi, he is being honored at a special dinner hosted by the Foundation at the Marriott Marquis Washington on February 22, 2016 in conjunction with the Credit Union National Association’s 2016 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC).

Local Government FCU voted one of The Best Credit Unions to Work For 2015

The Credit Union Journal has released the final ranking for The Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2015. These 45 credit unions are recognized for making a difference in their communities and providing an endless amount of opportunity to their employees nationwide. Among the top credit unions recognized, the Local Government FCU in Raleigh, North Carolina led by President/CEO and AACUC member Maurice Smith came in the number 10 spot with $1.5 billion in assets and 142 employees. Congratulations to The Local Government FCU and Maurice Smith on a job well done!

The AACUC Announces Timothy L. Anderson as New Board Chairman

The African-American Credit Union Coalition announced Tim Anderson will be the new Chairman during their 17th Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Atlanta, GA – This past weekend the AACUC selected Tim Anderson, President/CEO of GPO Federal Credit Union, Washington, DC, as the new Chairman. He succeeds Lynette Smith, President/CEO, Washington Gas Light FCU, who completed a two year term. Mr. Anderson, who is moving from the position of Treasurer for AACUC, will be the 8th chairperson to lead the national organization. “I am humbled by your confidence, yet excited to get to work on some new initiatives I believe will build upon the work we’ve already accomplished as an organization,” Mr. Andersonshared with the Board of Directors following the annual conference which ended on August 8.

Mr. Anderson is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College, where he serves as adjunct professor, with a BS degree in Business Management and an MBA in Finance. He has over 30 years of financial services experience at credit unions and banks, serving in a myriad of capacities including board director for credit unions and CUSOs. His work history encompasses Vice President and COO at American Spirit Federal Credit Union; Vice President and COO at the Treasury Department Federal Credit Union; Manager at the United States Senate Federal Credit Union; Vice President of Operations at Equitable and Independence Banks; and, Assistant Vice President and Financial Center Manager at BB&T and M&T Banks.

Philadelphia Welcomes the 17th Annual AACUC Conference

The 17th Annual AACUC Conference will be held August 6-8, 2015 in the historical city of Philadelphia.

The “City of Brotherly Love” is this year’s location for the 17th Annual AACUC Conference. This year’s conference is packed with a full agenda of pre-event activities, informative information and a well-planned Financial Literacy Reality Fair.

The conference Keynote Speaker is Author/Strategist, Clyde Anderson. With over 400 appearances on CNN and authoring several books, Mr. Anderson’s insightfulness will be an experience you don’t want to miss. In addition to Mr. Anderson, a list of conference speakers includes such notables from the credit union industry as: Duane C. Day, Michael Downey, Andrew Keeney, Patrick McElhenie, Vanessa Lowe, Kevin Paasch, Fredrick Pellum and Alonzo Swann.

One of the AACUC Conference highlights is the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner, sponsored this year by the CUNA Mutual Group. The 2015 recipient is Mr. Michael Hale, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, over Cards, Collections and Fraud Mitigation at the Arizona Federal Credit Union. Mr. Hale who is a U.S. Army veteran and a Bronze Star Recipient, is also the founding chairman of the board for the AACUC. The Master of Ceremony for the awards dinner is Hubert H. Hoosman, Jr, former President and CEO of Vantage Credit Union in St. Louis, Missouri. Currently he is an entrepreneur and partner at Haywood Hoosman Realty. Also in attendance will be Pete Crear and other past recipients.

This year’s host is American Heritage Federal Credit Union. With over a billion in assets, this credit union ranks as one of the nation’s most financially sound institutions. With American Heritage Federal Credit Union’s participation, the City of Brotherly Love will feel more like a “Family Reunion” for credit union members in attendance.

John Hamilton named President/CEO of MECU of Baltimore

John Hamilton was appointed as the President/CEO of the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (MECU). Hamilton has been in the credit union industry for over 20 years and continues to make a positive impact today. He received his B.A. in Finance at Morehouse College and is currently an AACUC member.

AACUC Makes a Statement

The African-American Credit Union Coalition was requested to submit a written statement for the record of the upcoming Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee hearing that will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. The hearing is entitled, "Examining Regulatory Burdens on Non-Depository Financial Institutions."

The statement consists of the views from several AACUC Board Members about the impact of some auto lending and payday loans practices on minorities and traditionally underserved communities and the vital role that credit unions can serve to offer alternative responsible lending products, and qualified mortgages.

AACUC Announces 2015 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

SNELLVILLE, GA – The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), announced that Michael Hale is the 2015 Recipient of the AACUC’s Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award. Hale is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, over Cards, Collections and Fraud Mitigation at Arizona Federal Credit Union.

Hale, a U.S. Army veteran and a Bronze Star Recipient, has been devoted to the credit union movement since 1975. His hard work and dedication lead to the advancement of numerous credit unions as well as the AACUC. Hale’s leadership skills and hard work lead to the legal formation of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) in 1999.

He previously served as the President and CEO of Andrews Federal Credit Union for over 12 years. A sampling of Hale’s additional credit union related accomplishments include being the Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), service on the National Federation of Community Development Credit Union's Capitalization Program Committee, the National Association of Federal Credit Unions Regulatory Affairs Committee, and the Arizona Credit Union League Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Filene Research Institute Council and a Board Member of the Credit Union Executives Society.

As an active volunteer, Hale has donated his time to numerous community organizations, including serving as chairman of the Mentorship Education Network At Risk Youth Program, vice chairman of the 100 Black Men of Phoenix, director of the Glendale Boys & Girls Club and chairman of the Greater Phoenix Urban League. The 100 Black Men of Phoenix created the Michael Hale Scholarship named in his honor.

Hale will be presented with the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award during the 17th Annual AACUC Conference in Philadelphia, PA on August 7, 2015. ­

2015 AACUC Networking Meeting

SNELLVILLE, GA - The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) participated in a joint comment letter with other credit union trade organizations in response to the Department of Defense's proposed amendments to the Military Lending Act (MLA). This collaborative effort between the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU), Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), and the AACUC seeks to exempt credit unions from proposed changes that would negatively impact the delivery of financial services to members of the military and their families.We fully support the goals of the Department of Defense to protect service members from abusive predatory lending practices. However, the amendments as presented may adversely affect existing credit union payday loan alternative programs that are currently offered to members including military personnel. Moreover, the proposed changes could increase compliance costs and levy heavy operational burdens on credit unions - smaller institutions in particular.The AACUC looks forward to working with our fellow credit union organizations and the Department of Defense in achieving the best alternative means to combat predatory lending practices directed toward members of the military and their families.

The Board of Directors of the African-American Credit Union Coalition has named Renée Sattiewhite Interim Executive Director of the national organization.

Atlanta, GA (December 16, 2014) — The late fourth quarter announcement comes following the passing of the organization’s previous Executive Director, Lillian Priest. Sattiewhite was voted in last week by the board to be her replacement as Interim Executive Director. Ms. Sattiewhite is all too familiar with keeping companies moving forward during senior management and board member transitional periods. During her tenure she will keep the AACUC in line with the organization’s primary mission, excelling the AACUC’s core programs and completing the outline of the 2015 calendar year objectives.Ms. Sattiewhite has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Communications and is well versed in credit union requirements, standards, and policies. She has earned the respect and admiration from her peers for her tenacity and integrity in the credit union community. Dawn White, VP of Marketing at Coca Cola Credit Union says, “Reneé brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to AACUC. Her passion and ability to deliver results will be a great asset to the organization.” Also, Ms. Sattiewhite has been a National keynote Speaker for Clemson University Professional Development for Women Conferences for over 10 years and has been named one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Women In Business. “I’m grateful for the opportunity the AACUC Board has presented me and I embrace the responsibilities in keeping the AACUC 2015 agenda in line during my interim tenure.” - Renee Sattiewhite

In Memoriam: AACUC Executive Director Priest Dies

Lillian Priest -Executive Director of AACUC SHREVEPORT, LA - The African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) is saddened by the news of our Executive Director, Lillian Priest, who passed away on September 2, 2014, after a prolonged illness. Lillian worked for AACUC for over 10 years. Lillian has been a major contributor to the growth and professional development of this organization. Her dedication and commitment to AACUC is unparalleled. She increased the membership during her tenure, and continued to develop and further reinforce the AACUC mission which is “to increase the strength of the global credit union movement”.Since 1981, Lillian Priest had been a volunteer at Shreveport Federal Credit Union serving on various committees, and the past eight years, she was elected and served on their Board.Lillian Priest received her BA from Northwestern State University and continued her studies toward a Master of Liberal Arts degree at LSU-Shreveport. She is a graduate of the Leadership Shreveport and Leadership Louisiana programs.Lynette Smith, Chairperson of the AACUC, stated that “Lillian will truly be remembered for her commitment and dedication to our organization. She will always be cherished by the AACUC Board of Directors, members and the credit union industry”.

Leadership  ~ Mentorship ~  Internship

FIRST FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND CAPABILITY AWARDS ANNOUNCED BY NONPROFIT MARYLAND CASH CAMPAIGN, MARYLAND COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC EDUCATION AND THE MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

New awards highlight financial education achievements of public school teachers and Community Champions statewide

Annapolis, Maryland. The nonprofit Maryland Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CASH) Campaign, Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE), and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) are pleased to announce the first-ever winners of the Financial Education and Capability Awards. Awards were given out during the public meeting of the Financial Education and Capability Commission on May 2nd at 10am at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in Crownsville, Maryland. Photographs available online.

The Financial Education and Capability Awards Program highlights the dedication and success of public school teachers and community champions who deliver financial education. Financial education focuses on a range of financial management concepts and behaviors including budgeting, careers and income, credit, savings, financial decision-making, and understanding values and habits about money.

Jason Peinert, Social Studies Teacher, Northeast Middle School (Baltimore City) for the Middle School Teacher Award

Lisa Bender, Financial Management and Marketing Teacher, Southern Garrett High School (Garrett County) for the High School Teacher Award

Michael Richardson, Vice President of Community Relations, Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union for the Community Champion Award

Robin McKinney, Director, Maryland CASH Campaign, stated, “The Maryland CASH Campaign, Maryland Council on Economic Education and MSDE thank OneMain Financial and The Woodside Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the $1,000 financial awards. Maryland CASH is proud to partner with MCEE and MSDE to offer the awards program.”

OneMain Financial sponsored the Teacher Awards intended to recognize teachers in Maryland who exemplify excellence in financial education and who practice innovative strategies in the classroom. “This award is meant to recognize the contributions made by an individual who exemplifies excellence in financial education and who practices innovative strategies in the classroom. These first-time award winners went above and beyond the call of duty,” said Sheldon Caplis of OneMain Financial.

Recognition of public school teachers is tied to the Maryland State Curriculum for Personal Financial Literacy Education, which was created under the leadership of the Maryland State Department of Education and mandated for implementation in local school systems beginning in September of 2011. Dr. Lillian Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools, commended the awards program by saying, “We are very proud to join our partners in recognizing the leaders and teachers in Maryland who are providing sound instruction in financial education to our students and the broader community. These are skills that will last for a lifetime.”

The Woodside Foundation sponsored the Community Champion Award for those who have supported and championed adult financial education in their communities as volunteers, members of local advisory councils or program advisory committees, and/or the broader community. "To be successful long-term, financial capability education and outreach efforts need to take a dual-generation approach", said Meg Woodside, Trustee of the Woodside Foundation. "The Community Champion Award recognizes the work of committed individuals who have made significant and large-scale impact on building these skills in Maryland's adult populations."

The Financial Education and Capability Awards are part of many other activities designed to celebrate April as National Financial Education Month. The Financial Education and Capability Commission released a calendar of free, in-person financial education workshops and financial fitness fairs. Additionally, the Maryland Council on Economic Education and MSDE held a financial education month logo and slogan contest. The winning slogan was "Knowledge Pay$ Off," created by teacher Joann Best and her students at Severna Park High. "Maryland Council on Economic Education has promoted economic and financial education for over 60 years. The worth of the knowledge in financial education is invaluable for the future of today's students," said Mary Ann Hewitt, Executive Director of the Maryland Council on Economic Education.

About The Maryland CASH Campaign: The Maryland CASH Campaign promotes programs, products and policies that increase the financial security of low-to moderate-income individuals and families across Maryland. Maryland CASH advocates on behalf of these families, as well as provides financial education programs, such as the Maryland CASH Academy at http://www.mdcashacademy.org/. Their partner organizations provide free tax preparation, access to appropriate financial services and benefits screening. For more information, contact Ms. Robin McKinney, Director of the Maryland CASH Campaign, at or 443-692-9422. www.mdcash.org

About the Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE): MCEE and their division the Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy are spearheading the effort to eradicate both economic and financial illiteracy. MCEE’s primary strategy is to work through the education system to increase the quantity and improve the quality of economic and financial instruction that is provided in Maryland's K-12 schools. For more information, contact Ms. Mary Ann Hewitt, Executive Director, at or 410-704-2137. http://www.econed.org/

About the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): The mission of MSDE is to provide leadership, support, and accountability for effective systems of public education, library services, and rehabilitation services. For more information, contact William Reinhard, MSDE Media Relations, at 410-767-0486 or

Shreveport Federal Credit Union Receives the Alcorn State University 2014 Cooperative of the Year Award!Alcorn State University honors Mrs. Helen Godfrey Smith and Shreveport Federal Credit Union during its 2014 Small Farmers and Women in Business Conference in Jackson, Mississippi. The 2014 Cooperative of the Year Award was bestowed upon the Credit Union for partnering with Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASU) to develop a program under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), to help combat “food deserts” in the Mississippi Delta Region. In addition, the Credit Union has provided access to affordable credit and small business capital to the residents of the Delta. A “food desert” is defined as a census tract with a substantial share of residents who have little or no access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in their neighborhood.The HFFI program is an investment into small rural communities that promotes economic growth and business expansion by providing loan funds to small crop farmers to expand their growing operations for the production, distribution and sale of healthy foods in the Mississippi Delta. One example of the success of the partnership with ASU and the HFFI program was the grand opening of the Frank Wilbourn Farmer’s Market in the midst of the “Quitman County Food Desert” on July 9, 2014. Since 2011, Shreveport Federal has loaned more than $21 million to small farmers and other consumers in the Mississippi Delta to expand and grow their operations and empower families. Farming and healthy foods are major priorities for Shreveport Federal’s Delta Division. “This is a wonderful honor and we are proud to be the recipient of the 2014 Cooperative of the Year Award. I am more committed than ever to the development of more partnerships and projects that help communities grow and prosper, and finding viable solutions to challenges facing residents in the Delta,” says Mrs. Helen Godfrey-Smith.

Mrs. Godfrey Smith of Shreveport Federal Credit Union accepts

the Alcorn State University 2014 Cooperative of the Year Award.

Dodd-Frank, Diversity and the Credit Union Movement

The African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) is a national organization comprised of credit union professionals and institutional members; its mission is to strengthen the global credit union movement through mentorship, internship and leadership. The organization was founded in 1999 and is led by a nine (9) member board of directors and an executive director. The AACUC commends and supports the NCUA’s OMWI in its efforts to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act mandates. However, the agency must go further. The AACUC recognizes and advocates for diversity as a means to foster new approaches and fresh perspectives toward achieving credit union perpetuity for generations to come. Download the Whitepaper, "Dodd-Frank, Diversity and the Credit Union Movement," to read recommendations suggested to assist the NCUA's OMWI in fulfilling its role pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act mandate.Click here to download Whitepaper.

AACUC at the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions Conference.

$1.4 million raised in support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Through the efforts of AACUC, the credit union industry raised approximately $1.4 million for the memorial and has a plaque on the memorial "America's Credit Unions."

Credit Union NewsSupport legislation to stop the debit card interchange rule. The Issue: A new government regulation reduces debit fees paid by retailers by 70 to 90%. As a result, the nation’s largest 2 percent of retailers will receive a $12 billion windfall – and debit card users will have to pay the tab. Take Action: Learn more at http://www.dontmakeuspay.org and find resources to voice your objection to Congress. Legislative Watch for Credit Unions